My view of the cow parade

Hitting the Mark and Boomerangs

Who doesn’t like getting a wonderful gift? Even better, isn’t it fun when you surprise the recipient and perhaps yourself, in finding the perfect gift?

I think my husband is the most fun to shop for. Our first or second Christmas married, I got Rick a roll top desk. I thought it was in keeping with his traditional tastes and I thought all the cubbies would inspire him to keep things in special places. For Christmases when the girls were growing up, Santa always had a “toy” for Daddy in keeping with his playful spirit. A remote aircraft carrier, caterpillar hauler, an airforce jet. Not only did he enjoy them on Christmas day, the girls did, too. Having grown up with brothers, toys for boys weren’t foreign to me at all.

But then, I’ve picked up some boomerangs, things I’ve just loved but came right back to me. 😦 On a trip to the Olympia Peninsula with my mother I raved about some flannel moose pants…red with black mooses all over…I just had to have them, a souvenir of this wonderful trip. I got a pair for myself and even my mother agreed they were cute. I got some for her. Then it occurred to me to pick up a pair for tomboy daughter who loves camping. Years later my mother’s pants came back to me. Then daughter gave me her pair back. She and mom must have collaborated on their excuse because it was the same, “They never really fit right,” each said “I know how much you enjoy them.” “Yes, but three pair?” And the excuse was a bit unbelievable for a one size fits all gift. Sigh!

Stuff just doesn’t matter any more…unless you’re a child.* Being together is the best gift of all. My gift to myself at the end of this semester? I’ll be traveling in May to visit daughter #1 and GS1 and hope to connect with a few blogging buddies on the west coast. Also, Memorial Day weekend is coming up and both girls will be with us for their almost twin birthdays, just a few days apart.

*I remember my grandmothers always brought us a gift when they came to visit. Moesje who came from Mexico brought figurines, leather wallets, a Mexican silver ring, handknit slippers. My grandmother in Alaska brought scrimshaw, a small eskimo doll with a fur parka, or something else she had sewn up for me. My dad always brought something home from a business trip. Something to enchant, something to remember them by. Something that let us know they had chosen it just for us.

I’ve packed something special for 2 little guys out in CA and I hope they enjoy what I’m bringing. (wink)

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32 Responses

This post took me back to the days when I traveled more for business. I always brought something small back for my kids. It didn’t seem to matter if it was just a souvenir from the airport or a trinket from a trade show. The fun was the anticipation of what might be in Mom’s suitcase once she arrived home.

My parents were also “gift givers.” And I grew up being told never to visit anyone without bringing something, even a loaf of bread. And if there were children in the family, something for them. I think your “little guys” will be delighted with your gifts. 🙂

I’m looking forward to it very much. Woo-hoo, the semester is over and grades were turned in this morning. Safe travels on your end. My sister is in Alexandria if you need a contact. Just say the word.

Little gifts can be more memorable than we imagine. I still remember the first time my dad went to New York on business. When he came back, he’d brought me some tiny Dutch chocolate “wooden shoes”. I couldn’t have been in more than third grade, yet I still can see that package. It was blue and white (of course) and the chocolate was Drost.

On the one hand, of course “stuff” doesn’t matter. On the other hand, aren’t we all still children, to one extent or another? Little gifts, tangible signs of love and affection that can be held and turned over once we’re separated from those we care for are important. Or so I think.

I’m so glad your semester is over – and away you go! Have a wonderful time with those grands, and enjoy your meetups!

To see Droste chocolates in the shape of wooden shoes at your tender age. That is a forever memory! Thank you for sharing that very special one.

My father loved his Droste “flikkers” from his mother. You have just reminded me of those. We used to eat them one little quarter-sized round at a time…Dad shared his cache with us…bless him as we were four kids in the house. Although usually Moesje visited from Mexico, sometimes she visited us enroute from her beloved Holland bearing gifts from there, too: Droste flikkers, silver spoons — one with a windmill at the top of the stem with blades that turned,– and wooden shoes for all of us.

A story that makes one smile…yes, I believe I got a few boomerang gifts story as well. I agree too, “Stuff just doesn’t matter any more…unless you’re a child.* Being together is the best gift of all.” Just being with our family is a daily blessing.

I love those little toys in your husband’s shirt pockets. What a clever and fun idea. And a roll top desk – classy! A gift giver like you will surely be blessed with many special suprises. Happy Mother’s Day.

What a nice story! I love that your husband gets toys for Christmas. What better time to do it and make him feel young all over again. So, am I going to see you? Let me know! It’s been sunny and hot here of late.